Rider Position: Choosing a Seat and Windshield for Your Cruiser

The fit of your motorcycle can make all the difference in the world on how well you handle the bike and how confident you are while you’re riding. Dealerships understand this, especially for new riders and will take the time to help you select a bike for your size and riding ability. Knowing you will become more familiar with whatever bike you select, I lean towards a bike I will grow into while still riding it safely, rather than purchasing a smaller motorcycle I want to sell in six months.

Another potentially costly consideration is the relationship between the seat, handlebars, and windshield. While sitting on or test riding the bike, make sure the handlebars are comfortable, thinking as if you were riding two hundred miles. Check your turn radius and the relationship between your hands and shoulders. Many people say that a 90-degree angle is optimal between your arms and your body for long-ride comfort, but people have different, and all bikes are going to seem comfortable when you simply sit down and grab the bars for a minute. But when you're out on the road feeling the vibrations of the bars through your hands, you don’t want to start cramping.

Next is the seat. Ask people what they have and the type of riding they do. Most dealers have demo seats, so you can decide which is most comfortable. The relationship of the seat to the bars and how your feet touch the ground at full stops. For instance, a 1000 lb. touring bike can be difficult to maneuver on your tiptoes, especially on uneven or unpaved surfaces. I am 6 feet, 225 lbs. My CVO seat works great for around-town travel, but my touring seat is best for longer rides. The larger seat causes more helmet buffeting at highway speeds so I also may change the windshield for longer trips.

A backrest is another item I would have difficulty being without on a long trip. If you have back problems or are a little older, this is a low-cost way to help reduce the stress on your back from long rides. Depending on your seat type, there are several sizes and types of rider backrests. Some are easily removed on a whim, and some require tools.

I hope this helps you in some way. Leave comments below.

Happy riding!

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